Racing

2018 Snowshoe GNCC, Revisited

A look back at last weekend’s Snowshoe GNCC

June 28, 2018

A steady rain and heavy fog made for less than desirable visibility at this year’s Snowshoe GNCC. Because of the rain, race organizers pulled the plug on some of the more difficult sections of the course, though competitors agreed the race was still the most difficult of the series so far.Darrin Chapman

FMF/KTM's Kailub Russell turned in a stellar performance at last weekend's Snowshoe GNCC, taking control of the race at the two-hour mark from early leader Thad Duvall. Duvall would eventually drop out of the race due to a hand injury, leaving Kailub all alone out front, where after three hours of racing he claimed an impressive victory by 48 seconds over second place. Here's a look at the race thanks to photographer Darrin Chapman.

Kailub Russell’s win marked his seventh of the series so far and it extended his lead in the championship standings to 54 points over Thad Duvall.Darrin Chapman

Tely Energy Racing’s Steward Baylor nursed a knee injury to a seventh-place finish. The South Carolina rider tore his ACL the previous weekend at a Full Gas Sprint Enduro.Darrin Chapman

JCR Honda’s Trevor Bollinger battled with Grant Baylor for second place and ended the day in third, just three seconds behind the KTM rider.Darrin Chapman

Josh Toth finished fifth overall and was second in the XC2 250 Pro division. The FMF/KTM rider has been battling fellow KTM rider Ben Kelley for the lead in the XC2 250 Pro class standings all season.Darrin Chapman

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Thad Duvall battled with Kailub Russell for the lead during the early going, but dropped out on the final lap when he injured his wrist.Darrin Chapman

After one lap, AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell held the lead on adjusted time as he started from the second row.Darrin Chapman

Tely Energy Racing’s Grant Baylor edged Bollinger by three seconds at the finish to claim the runner-up spot. The fast, rocky trail was hard on tires and Baylor changed his rear tire after three laps.Darrin Chapman

Trail Jesters KTM’s Ben Kelley turned in a strong race to win the XC2 250 Pro class with a fourth overall finish.Darrin Chapman

MCS Racing/Sidi/Arai’s Jonathan Girroir earned his first XC2 250 Pro class podium coming away with the third-place position.Darrin Chapman